How we
evaluate
everything.
Evidence grading, vendor verification, editorial process, and affiliate disclosure — all in one place.
How we evaluate peptides
Every peptide profile on PeptiDex includes an evidence grade assigned by our editorial team. The grade reflects the quality and quantity of peer-reviewed human and preclinical data available, not anecdotal reports or vendor marketing claims. We apply the following six-tier system:
Multiple Phase 2/3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with large sample sizes, FDA approval, and extensive peer-reviewed replication.
Examples: Semaglutide (Wegovy), Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
At least one well-designed RCT or multiple high-quality cohort studies in humans, with consistent outcomes across independent research groups.
Examples: Tesamorelin (FDA-approved for lipodystrophy)
Human studies with notable limitations (small sample size, short duration, or open-label design) combined with strong preclinical support.
Examples: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 (clinical trial data limited)
Evidence is primarily or exclusively from in-vitro cell studies or controlled animal models. Human trials are absent or in very early stages (Phase 0/1).
Examples: BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu (most evidence from rodent models)
Early-stage or preliminary data. May include small case series, mechanistic hypotheses, or a single pilot study that has not been replicated.
Examples: MOTS-c (some early human data), LL-37 (limited human trials)
No peer-reviewed evidence available. The compound is included for reference based on widespread use in research communities, but no formal studies have been conducted.
Examples: Certain novel peptide sequences, experimental research compounds
Evidence grades are reviewed quarterly or when significant new research is published. All grades link to the primary source studies within each compound profile. See an error? Submit a correction.
How we verify vendors
Any vendor that appears in the PeptiDex index must meet a specific set of sourcing criteria before we feature them. We do not accept payment for inclusion. Our vendor verification process covers three mandatory checkpoints:
COA Publication
Vendors must publish batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that are accessible publicly or on-demand. COAs must document the specific compound, batch number, purity percentage, and testing date.
HPLC Verification
The COA must include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram data. HPLC separates and measures each component in the compound to confirm identity and detect synthesis byproducts or degradation products.
Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry (MS) data must accompany the HPLC report to confirm the molecular weight of the compound. This is the most reliable confirmation of authentic peptide identity and correct synthesis.
Vendors that fail to meet all three criteria are not listed, regardless of commercial relationship. We re-audit vendors quarterly or following credible reports of quality issues. To submit a vendor for review, email hello@peptidex.app.
Our editorial process
Every compound profile, comparison article, and educational guide on PeptiDex goes through a five-stage editorial lifecycle before publication and on a quarterly review cadence thereafter.
Research
Our team conducts a systematic search of PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and pre-print servers for all relevant studies. We document every relevant publication regardless of outcome to avoid positive-results bias.
Draft
A subject-matter contributor synthesizes the research into a structured profile or article. All claims are cited inline using PubMed IDs. No editorial content is drafted from vendor marketing materials or forum posts.
Peer Review
The draft undergoes review by at least one additional team member with relevant expertise. Reviewers check evidence grade assignments, factual accuracy, and appropriate framing of preclinical data.
Fact-Check
A final fact-check verifies all cited statistics, dosing numbers, FDA approval statuses, and mechanism descriptions against primary sources. A "Last fact-checked" date is applied on publish.
Quarterly Re-Review
All published content is flagged for re-review every 90 days. Any new research published during that period is incorporated. The "Last fact-checked" date is updated on each review cycle.
Our affiliate disclosure
PeptiDex is a self-funded, independent publication. We do not charge for access, and we do not accept payment for vendor placement, compound coverage, or favorable editorial treatment.
We earn a small affiliate commission when readers click through to verified vendors and make a qualifying purchase. This commission comes from the vendor, not from you, and does not affect the price you pay.
Our affiliate relationships are limited strictly to vendors who have passed our full verification process (COA + HPLC + Mass Spec). We do not create affiliate relationships with vendors we would not feature based on merits alone.
All affiliate links are marked with rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" per Google webmaster guidelines. This disclosure is required by FTC guidelines (16 CFR Part 255) and GDPR transparency requirements.
For questions about our affiliate relationships or to report a conflict of interest, email hello@peptidex.app.